English, math test scores dip in O.C., state

Aug. 8, 2013

Updated April 9, 2015 2:07 a.m.

1 of 4

Eighth grade student Alex Orneales, center, ponders a reading assessment test at Currie Middle School in Tustin in this 2012 file photo. At left is teacher Jamie Joyce, at right student Alma Ponce. JEBB HARRIS, THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

1 of 4

Eighth-grade student Alex Orneales, center, ponders a reading assessment test at Currie Middle School in Tustin in this 2012 file photo. At left is teacher Jamie Joyce, at right is student Alma Ponce. JEBB HARRIS, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

1 of 4

Utt Middle School sixth-graders listen as administration goes over the rules of the day during Friday's carnival celebrating its state standardized testing in this 2012 file photo. MIGUEL VASCONCELLOS, FOR THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

1 of 4

Utt Middle School sixth-graders listen as the administration goes over the rules of the day during Friday's carnival celebrating its state standardized testing scores in this 2012 file photo. MIGUEL VASCONCELLOS, FOR THE REGISTER

Eighth grade student Alex Orneales, center, ponders a reading assessment test at Currie Middle School in Tustin in this 2012 file photo. At left is teacher Jamie Joyce, at right student Alma Ponce. JEBB HARRIS, THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

Standardized test scores dipped across the state and in Orange County in 2013 – the first time in at least six years and a step back that comes just as the state is transitioning away from the testing system.

Statewide, scores dropped on the California Standards Test for English-language arts, with 56.4 percent of students scoring proficient or advanced. That's down from 57.2 percent in 2012. Proficient and advanced scores on the CST math test dropped to 51.2 percent from 51.5 percent.

In Orange County, proficient and advanced scores dropped in English to 64.6 percent from 65.6 percent and in math to 60.8 percent from 61.7 percent.

About 4.65 million students statewide in grades 2-11 were given the California Standards Tests in spring 2013 and were rated advanced, proficient, basic, below basic or far below basic.

In addition to the basic grade-level math and English tests, the CSTs assess knowledge in algebra, geometry, science, history and social science, among other subjects. Those with a proficient or advanced score are considered to have acquired the knowledge the state requires for their grade.

The CSTs are the centerpiece of the state's Standardized Testing and Reporting, or STAR system. The system also includes assessments for students with disabilities and tests given in Spanish.

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson attributed the 2013 dips to budget cuts and teachers spending time preparing for Common Core standards, but noted that the majority of California students still received proficient or advanced scores in math and English.

"As you would expect for a school system in transition, results varied from grade to grade, subject to subject, and school to school, but the big picture is one of remarkable resilience despite the challenges," Torlakson said in a prepared statement.

"While we all want to see California's progress continue, these results show that in the midst of change and uncertainty, teachers and schools kept their focus on students and learning. That's a testament to the depth of their commitment to their students and the future of our state."

County Superintendent Al Mijares echoed Torlakson's sentiments.

"We continue to stay strong," Mijares said. "Despite challenges that school districts have experienced over the years, including last year, people are steadfast."

Mijares noted a dip in 11th grade history scores, and said scores for grades 2 to 7 regressed or hit plateaus. Anytime administrators notice a drop, Mijares said, the school district will first examine the test proctoring before delving into the curriculum.

"Things go up a little or down a little and statisticians don't become nervous over that unless those gaps start to grow and become more chronic," Mijares said.

Over the past several years, there hasn't been much change in subgroups or grade span test scores, said Vanessa Galey, county coordinator for assessment and accountability in instructional service.

"Over four years we see a steady trend upward and this last year we saw more declines than we have in years past, but it's 1 point or two points, or nothing at all," Galey said.

This may be the last year that traditional STAR results are reported as the state prepares to shift to new tests based on the Common Core standards. Those tests go into effect in 2014-15, but Torlakson is pushing legislation that would reduce the overall test load this spring.

New computer-based tests will be used in coming years to assess student knowledge once Common Core is implemented. Those will be known as the California Measurement of Academic Performance and Progress for the 21st Century, or CalMAPP21.

Irvine Unified held steady, with a 1 percent drop over last year in English scores and a 1 percent increase in math.

"That's a fear, that as you continue to kind of ratchet up performance you're going to see some kind of drop," Irvine spokesman Ian Hanigan said. "We're pleased we've been able to hold on to the gains we've made."

Savanna School District in Anaheim saw a 1 percent increase in English and a 7 percent increase in math scores. Huntington Beach City Elementary School District posted a 5 percent increase in math scores, but declined 1 percent over last year's English test results.

"We're never going to be content with the achievement levels of all the subgroups unless they're at the proficiency, advanced-proficiency level. We're just going to keep pushing every year for higher student achievement," Mijares said.

User Agreement

Keep it civil and stay on topic. No profanity, vulgarity, racial
slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about
tragedies will be blocked. By posting your comment, you agree to
allow Orange County Register Communications, Inc. the right to
republish your name and comment in additional Register publications
without any notification or payment.